Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital Shooting: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

A female psychiatric case worker was shot dead by one of her patients inside the Wellness Center of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania. A doctor was also wounded in the attack, but the same doctor was able to return fire with his own gun, hitting the suspect, reports Philly.com. The confrontation took place inside the doctor’s office. After the gunman was wounded, other hospital staff were able to subdue the suspect. The gunfire happened inside the Sister Marie Wellness Center in the hospital facility. The suspect was identified as Richard Plotts by ABC Philadelphia.

2. A Suspect Is Critical Condition

A suspect is in custody. According to the Delaware County DA, he is a 48-year-old male who was apprehended about ten minutes after the initial 911 call came through. He was shot three times and is in critical condition. The man is reported to have had psychiatric issues in the past.

According to the hospital’s website, the wellness centers deals with issues such as addiction and behavior modification. Although located across the street from the main facility, the wellness center is considered a part of the hospital and is connected by a pedestrian bridge.

3. A Hospital Official Said He Heard Around 7 Shots Fired

(Screen Grab via NBC Philadelphia)

According to ABC Philadelphia, a hospital official reported hearing around seven shots fired during the incident, which cops heard about in a 911 call at 2:19 p.m. local time, according to the Delaware County Prosecutor’s office.

4. The Main Hospital Is in Lockdown

The hospital, which is surrounded by police cruisers and ambulances, has been locked down. Some of the responding officers can be seen wearing tactical gear.

One ambulance could be seen going from the hospital’s office complex to the emergency room. ABC Philadelphia reports that police have come from Upper Darby and Haverford to help with the operation. The Wellness Center is being evacuated with every worker being searched on the way out.

5. Mercy Fitzgerald Is One of the Largest Catholic Hospitals in Pennsylvania